United chairman John Taggart confirmed that three clubs - one of which is understood to be a Barclays Premier League side - are monitoring the Ballymena Academy pupil’s progress.

“We will assist Matthew in whatever way we can - Ballymena United would never stand in any player’s way if he got the chance of a lifetime to make a career in full-time football.

“Matthew has been an exceptional find for us after joining Ballymena from Carniny Youth and it’s a great example of local youth set-ups are sending their best players to their local senior club, which can only benefit the club in the long run.

“We have consistently sent out the message that there is an opportunity for the best young players locally to reach the highest level of football in this country and perhaps even beyond that again,” added the chairman.

Meanwhile, United boss Glenn Ferguson is set to re-sign Caolan Loughran after the homegrown defender cut short his studies in America.

“Caolan has been back training with us,” said Ferguson.

“We need to find out what the situation is with his status in terms of signing him outside the transfer window but one way or the other, he will be signing for us,” he added.

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